U.S. patent application number 11/561026 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for keyboard, video and mouse (kvm) switch.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aten International Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Kevin Chen.
Application Number | 20070088876 11/561026 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46323448 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070088876 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Kevin |
April 19, 2007 |
Keyboard, Video and Mouse (KVM) Switch
Abstract
A computer peripherals switch having a switching circuit
contained within a body; a first computer cable electrically
coupled to the switching circuit and integrally attached to the
body; a second computer cable electrically coupled to the switching
circuit and integrally attached to the body; a plurality of
computer peripheral ports electrically coupled to the switching
circuit and disposed on the body; wherein the first computer cable
has a plurality of first computer connectors, each of which is
matched to at least one of the ports in the plurality of computer
peripheral ports, and wherein the switching circuit is configured
to selectively couple the plurality of first computer connectors to
the plurality of computer peripheral ports.
Inventors: |
Chen; Kevin; (Taipei Hsien,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS, KAYDEN, HORSTEMEYER & RISLEY, LLP
100 GALLERIA PARKWAY, NW
STE 1750
ATLANTA
GA
30339-5948
US
|
Assignee: |
Aten International Co.,
Ltd.
3F., No. 125, Sec. 2, Ta Tung Rd., Hsichih
Taipei Hsien
TW
|
Family ID: |
46323448 |
Appl. No.: |
11/561026 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11317632 |
Dec 22, 2005 |
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11561026 |
Nov 17, 2006 |
|
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10190015 |
Jul 8, 2002 |
7035112 |
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11317632 |
Dec 22, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
710/67 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 9/04 20130101; H01R
31/00 20130101; G06F 3/023 20130101; H01R 31/005 20130101; H01R
27/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
710/067 |
International
Class: |
G06F 13/12 20060101
G06F013/12 |
Claims
1. A keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switch comprising: an
enclosure; a switching circuit contained within the enclosure; a
set of connector ports disposed on the enclosure and electrically
coupled to the switching circuit; one connector disposed on the
enclosure and electrically coupled to the switching circuit, for
coupling to a computer; and one cable, including a plurality of
connector plugs, integrated into the enclosure and electrically
coupled to the switching circuit, for coupling to another
computer.
2. The KVM switch of claim 1, wherein the switching circuit
switches to operatively couple each connector port of the set of
connector ports to the cable and the connector.
3. The KVM switch of claim 1, wherein the connector is a cable
connector.
4. The KVM switch of claim 1, wherein the plurality of connector
plugs comprise a video plug.
5. The KVM switch of claim 1, wherein the set of connector ports
comprise a video port.
6. The KVM switch of claim 1, wherein the plurality of connector
plugs comprise an USB plug.
7. The KVM switch of claim 6, wherein the plurality of connector
plugs further comprise a PS/2 plug.
8. The KVM switch of claim 1, wherein the set of connector ports
comprise an USB port.
9. The KVM switch of claim 1, wherein the plurality of connector
plugs comprise a PS/2 plug.
10. The KVM switch of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes an
anti-slipping layer.
11. The KVM switch of claim 1, wherein the cable is fixedly
attached to the enclosure through a molded attachment element.
12. The KVM switch of claim 1, wherein the cable is for coupling
the switching circuit to a first computer.
13. The KVM switch of claim 12, wherein the cable comprises: a
computer peripheral cable including a computer peripheral plug; and
a video cable including a display connector plug.
14. The KVM switch of claim 13, wherein the computer peripheral
plug is an USB plug.
15. The KVM switch of claim 14, wherein the computer peripheral
cable further comprises a PS/2 plug.
16. The KVM switch of claim 13, wherein the computer peripheral
plug comprises a PS/2 plug.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application for patent is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 11/317,632, filed Dec. 22, 2005, now pending,
which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/190,015,
filed Jul. 8, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,035,112, both of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present invention relates to an automatic switch for a
user to automatically switch between two or more computers, and,
more particularly, to an keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switch
that has an integrally injection-molded cables to provide good
weather-resistance, impact-resistance, and some protection of an
internal circuit board thereof.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Computers are becoming more prevalent in both homes and
offices, and are often considered requisite "tools" for work,
learning, leisure activities, and daily life. In certain
environments, a user needs to be able to access to multiple
computers simultaneously. For example, a user may have a computer
dedicated to work, such as a computer used for stock trading; as
well as a second computer limited to non-work activities, such as a
computer used for browsing the World-Wide-Web and playing video
games. Currently, for users who need to access two or more
computers simultaneously, instead of using a separate keyboard,
monitor and mouse for each computer, an automatic switching device
commonly referred to as a Keyboard, Video and Mouse (KVM) switch is
used. The KVM switch allows the user to use one keyboard, monitor
and mouse to control two or more computers by being able to switch
among them.
[0006] Typically, the KVM switch contains a circuit that provides
the functionality for switching a set of keyboard, mouse and
monitor among different computers. Thus, one set of signal cables
are run from a keyboard (keyboard signal cable), a mouse (mouse
signal cable) and a monitor (video signal cable) to the KVM switch,
and, to each computer, another set of keyboard, mouse and monitor
signals cables are run from the KVM switch. Thus, if the KVM switch
is connected to 2 computers, 2 separate sets of cables, each set
having a keyboard signal cable, a mouse signal cable, and a video
signal cable, are needed. With the number of cables running from
the KVM switch increasing incrementally based on the number of
computers connected, cable management becomes a problem. Further,
as the number of cables increases, the likelihood that the cables
may become loose and disconnected from the KVM switch also
increases. Another issue is the confusion on the part of the user
of which cables to purchase because many KVM switches have multiple
outlets for connecting to different types of peripherals.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0007] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switch includes an enclosure, a
switching circuit contained within the enclosure and a set of
connector ports disposed on the enclosure and electrically coupled
to the switching circuit. The KVM switch further includes a
plurality of cables integrated into the enclosure and electrically
coupled to the switching circuit, each cable in the plurality of
cables including a plurality of connector plugs, wherein each
connector plug in the plurality of connector plugs for one of the
cables in the plurality of cables are matched to at least another
one of the respective plurality of connector plugs from another one
of the cables in the plurality of cables, and wherein the switching
circuit is configured to operatively switch the set of connector
ports to connect to one of the plurality of cables.
[0008] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
computer peripherals switch includes a switching circuit contained
within a body and a first computer cable electrically coupled to
the switching circuit and integrally attached to the body. The
computer peripherals switch further includes a second computer
cable electrically coupled to the switching circuit and integrally
attached to the body and a plurality of computer peripheral ports
electrically coupled to the switching circuit and disposed on the
body; wherein the first computer cable has a plurality of first
computer connectors, each of which is matched to at least one of
the ports in the plurality of computer peripheral ports, and
wherein the switching circuit is configured to selectively couple
the plurality of first computer connectors to the plurality of
computer peripheral ports.
[0009] Other objects, features and advantages will become apparent
to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed
description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary
embodiments, are given by way of illustration and not limitation.
Many changes and modifications within the scope of the following
description may be made without departing from the spirit thereof,
and the description should be understood to include all such
variations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a keyboard, video and mouse
(KVM) switch configured in accordance with one preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the keyboard, video and
mouse (KVM) switch of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a right elevation view of the keyboard, video and
mouse (KVM) switch of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the keyboard, video and
mouse (KVM) switch of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a left elevation view of the keyboard, video and
mouse (KVM) switch of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the keyboard, video and
mouse (KVM) switch of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the keyboard, video and
mouse (KVM) switch of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the keyboard, video
and mouse (KVM) switch of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system in which the KVM
switch may be used, configured in accordance with one preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a Keyboard, Video and Mouse (KVM) switch
device 100 configured in accordance with one preferred embodiment
of the present invention. The description of FIG. 1 and the other
figures Reference will also be made to FIG. 7, which is a
perspective view of the top of KVM switch device 100, and FIG. 8,
which is a perspective view of the bottom of KVM switch device 100.
KVM switch device 100 includes a body 102, from which a first
output 104A and a second output 104B extends. In one preferred
embodiment, first output 104A and second output 104B includes a
first cable 110A and a second cable 110B, respectively, integrated
into body 102. Each cable is attached to body 102 via a strain
relief. Thus, first cable 110A and second cable 110B are
permanently attached to body 102 via a first strain relief 112A and
a second strain relief 112B, respectively. In one preferred
embodiment, first cable 110A and second cable 110B are integrally
formed (e.g., molded) with body 102, such that the cables are
sealed to the body. Extending from first cable 110A and second
cable 110B are a first plurality of plugs and a second plurality of
plugs, respectively, each having an audio plug (122A, 122B), with a
cover plug (120A, 120B); a video plug (124A, 124B); and a
peripheral plug (126A, 126B). In one preferred embodiment, each
peripheral plug (126A, 126B) is compatible for mating with a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard device as promulgated by the
USB Implementers Forum, Inc. In other preferred embodiments, each
peripheral plug is compatible for mating with other peripheral
standards, such as the PS/2 connector standard as developed by IBM
Corporation.
[0022] A third output 104C and a fourth output 104D is also located
on body 102. In one preferred embodiment, third output 104C and
fourth output 104D includes a first cable connector 152C and a
second cable connector 152D, respectively, where each cable
connector is configured to be connected to a detachable cable that
contains a plurality of plugs such as audio plugs, video plugs, and
peripheral plugs similar to the plugs on first cable 110A and
second cable 110B. In another preferred embodiment, the detachable
cable that may be connected to first cable connector 152C and/or
second cable connector 152D may contain a different number of plugs
as compared to first cable 110A or second cable 110B. For example,
the detachable cable may only contain a video plug and one
peripheral plug.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom plan view of KVM switch device
100 having a bottom side 202 includes a padding 204 and a plurality
of vent slots 206. In one preferred embodiment, padding 204 is
comprised of a material that provides for non-slip capabilities. In
one preferred embodiment, materials that may be used include
rubber-based compounds or polymers. In another preferred
embodiment, material such as cloth may be used.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the right side of KVM switch
device 100 having a plurality of computer peripheral ports 302
including a pair of peripheral ports 312, a video port 314, and an
audio port 316. In one preferred embodiment, pair of peripheral
ports 312 is similar to peripheral plug (126A, 126B), such that the
computer peripheral communication standard with which pair of
peripheral ports 312 is compatible is the same standard with which
peripheral plug (126A, 126B) is compatible. For example, pair of
peripheral ports 312 and peripheral plug (126A, 126B) are
compatible with the USB standard. In another preferred embodiment,
pair of peripheral ports 312 and peripheral plug (126A, 126B) are
compatible with different computer peripheral interconnection
standards and KVM switch device 100 needs to perform certain
translations of the signals going to and from the computer
peripherals coupled to the plug/ports, as further discussed below.
FIG. 5 is a view of the left side of KVM switch device 100.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of illustrating how first
cable 110A, second cable 110B, first cable connector 152C and
second cable connector 152D are integrated into body 102 and how
plurality of vent slots 206 is configured to allow the interior of
KVM switch device 100 to ventilate with the surrounding
environment. In one embodiment, the electronics internal KVM switch
device 100 are sealed from moisture, and any liquid that may
accidentally reach the interior will not affect the electronics
because they are so sealed.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a view of the front of KVM switch device 100,
where a pair of indicator lights 602A and 602B indicate the status
of KVM switch device 100. Body 102 contains a switching circuit
(not shown) that switches the signals received from plurality of
computer peripheral ports 302 to couple them to one or more of the
set of outputs 104A-104D. In one preferred embodiment, each of the
indicator lights indicates the operational status of one of the
computers that is connected to KVM switch device 100. For example,
indicator light 602A may be lit to indicate that KVM switch device
100 is operating to electrically couple the signals received from
plurality of computer peripheral ports 302 to first output 104A.
Indicator light 602B can be lit to indicate if KVM switch device
100 is operating to electrically couple the signals received from
plurality of computer peripheral ports 302 to second output 104B.
In another preferred embodiment, the indicator lights may signal
that KVM switch device 100 is operating to electrically couple the
signals received from plurality of computer peripheral ports 302 to
third output 104C or fourth output 104D. In yet another preferred
embodiment, the indicator lights may indicate the coupling of the
signals from plurality of computer peripheral ports 302 to any of
the outputs through a series or sequence of light flashes.
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a system 900 in which the
features of the present invention may be implemented. System 900
includes a first computer system 950 and a second computer system
952 that are selectively and switchedly connected to the computer
peripherals that are coupled to KVM switch device 100. First
computer system 950 and second computer system 952 are general
purpose computer systems, as further described below. The following
description, although specifically referring to first computer
system 950, is applicable to second computer system 952.
[0028] First computer system 950 includes a bus 902 for
communicating information between the components in first computer
system 950, and a processor 904 coupled with bus 902 for executing
software code, or instructions, and processing information. First
computer system 950 further comprises a main memory 906, which may
be implemented using random access memory (RAM) and/or other random
memory storage device, coupled to bus 902 for storing information
and instructions to be executed by processor 904. Main memory 906
also may be used for storing temporary variables or other
intermediate information during execution of instructions by
processor 904. First computer system 950 also includes a read only
memory (ROM) 908 and/or other static storage device coupled to bus
902 for storing static information and instructions for processor
904. Further, a mass storage device 910, such as a magnetic disk
drive and/or or a optical disk drive, may be coupled to first
computer system 950 for storing information and instructions.
Although not illustrated, first computer system 950 may optionally
include video capture/output cards, camera devices, and many other
conventional options.
[0029] In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, KVM switch device 100
is use to allow a single set of peripherals, e.g., a display device
934, an alphanumeric input device 936, a cursor control device 938
and speakers 940 to be selectively coupled to first computer system
950 or second computer system 952. The computer systems may be
connected to any of the outputs 104A to 104D of KVM switch device
100 using first cable 110A, second cable 110B or, as noted above,
additional cables connected to first cable connector 152C and
second cable connector 152D. Up to four computer systems may be
connected to KVM switch device 100 if all four outputs 104A to 104D
are used, with one computer system attached to each output.
[0030] In one exemplary configuration, first computer system 950 is
coupled to display device 934 using video plug 124A on first cable
110A of KVM switch device 100. Display device 934 is a device, such
as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD), used
for displaying information to a user so that, for example,
graphical or textual information may be presented to the user. An
alphanumeric input device 936, including alphanumeric and other
keys, is coupled to one of the ports of pair of peripheral ports
312 on KVM switch device 100 for communicating information and/or
user selection commands to processor 904 of first computer system
950. In one preferred embodiment, is the peripheral standard that
is being used is based on the USB standard, as discussed above,
then either one of the ports of pair of peripheral ports 312 may be
used. First computer 950 is then coupled to KVM switch device 100
using peripheral plug 126 on first cable 110A.
[0031] Another type of user input device shown in the figure is a
cursor control device 938, such as a conventional mouse, touch
mouse, trackball, touchpad or other type of cursor direction keys
for communicating direction information and command selection to
first computer system 950 and for controlling movement of a cursor
on display 934. Similar to alphanumeric input device 936, cursor
control device 938 may be plugged into one of the ports of pair of
peripheral ports 312 on KVM switch device 100. First computer
system 950, which is already coupled to KVM switch device 100 using
peripheral plug 126 on first cable 110A, will receive the direction
information and command selection generated by cursor control
device 938. Various other types of input devices, including, but
not limited to the input devices described herein, unless otherwise
noted, may be coupled to KVM switch device 100 using pair of
peripheral ports 312 to allow the user to provide command or input
to first computer system 950.
[0032] In one preferred embodiment, if more than two devices are to
be coupled to KVM switch device 100, one or more hubs (e.g., one or
more USB hubs) may be connected to pair of peripheral ports 312.
Thus, more than two computer peripheral devices may be coupled to
KVM switch device 100. Specifically, in addition to alphanumeric
input device 936 and cursor control device 938, other devices such
as printers, image scanners, cameras and microphones may be coupled
to KVM switch device 100 through the use of devices such as
hubs.
[0033] Also as illustrated, speakers 940 are coupled to first
computer system 950 via KVM switch device 100. In one preferred
embodiment, speakers 940 are first coupled to audio port 316 of KVM
switch device 100. Audio plug 122A of first cable 110A is then
plugged into first computer system 950.
[0034] First computer system 950 may also include a communication
device (not shown) that is coupled to bus 902 for accessing other
computer systems, as described below. The communication device may
include a modem, a network interface card, or other well-known
interface devices, such as those used for interfacing with
Ethernet, Token-ring, or other types of networks. In any event, in
this manner, first computer system 950 may be coupled to a number
of other computer systems via a network infrastructure, such as
second computer system 952.
[0035] The embodiments described above are exemplary embodiments.
Those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses of, and
departures from, the above-described embodiments without departing
from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Various modifications
to these embodiments may be readily apparent to those skilled in
the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied
to other embodiments, e.g., in an instant messaging service or any
general wireless data communication applications, without departing
from the spirit or scope of the novel aspects described herein.
Thus, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to
the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
The word "exemplary" is used exclusively herein to mean "serving as
an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Accordingly, the
present invention is to be defined solely by the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *